Astros by the jersey numbers

July 18, 2013 12:37 PM

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Baseball is a numbers game. No other professional sport has as deep a tradition in stats as baseball. But the most fundamental number for each player is his jersey number. Here, we give you the best Astros for each jersey number. Some were easy (either because it was Jeff Bagwell or because only one player wore that number). Others were tough. We went with the number the players used the most. So, Craig Biggio, who wore No. 4 in 1987-88, will not be No. 4. He's No. 7, of course. The following numbers have never been used: 69, 70, 72, 74-76, 78-98. less

Baseball is a numbers game. No other professional sport has as deep a tradition in stats as baseball. But the most fundamental number for each player is his jersey number. Here, we give you the best Astros for ... more

Baseball is a numbers game. No other professional sport has as deep... Photo-4930801.66584 - Houston Chronicle

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00 — John Mayberry: He started his career with the Astros in 1968 and played four years here before leaving for Kansas City. He was an All-Star and finished second in the MVP voting in 1975 with the Royals. He played in 105 games as an Astro. less

00 — John Mayberry: He started his career with the Astros in 1968 and played four years here before leaving for Kansas City. He was an All-Star and finished second in the MVP voting in 1975 with the Royals. ... more

00 — John Mayberry: He started his career with the Astros in... Photo-4930802.66584 - Houston Chronicle

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1 — Willy Taveras: He was second in rookie of the year voting in 2005 and is most well known for the longest hit streak in Astros history.

1 — Willy Taveras: He was second in rookie of the year voting in 2005 and is most well known for the longest hit streak in Astros history.

Photo: Kevin Fujii, Houston Chronicle

1 — Willy Taveras: He was second in rookie of the year voting... Photo-4930803.66584 - Houston Chronicle

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2 — Chris Burke: Burke never lived up to expectations, but the 18th-inning home run alone has him in this spot.

2 — Chris Burke: Burke never lived up to expectations, but the 18th-inning home run alone has him in this spot.

5 — Jeff Bagwell: The Astros have 10 uniform numbers retired (including MLB-wide No. 42 for Jackie Robinson). Bagwell is first on the list, in numerical order. Bagwell, the 1994 National League MVP, is first in franchise history in home runs (449) and RBIs (1,529) and second in career batting average (.297). less

5 — Jeff Bagwell: The Astros have 10 uniform numbers retired (including MLB-wide No. 42 for Jackie Robinson). Bagwell is first on the list, in numerical order. Bagwell, the 1994 National League MVP, is first ... more

10 — Mike Hampton: Hampton had his best career year in 1999 with the Astros, when he went 22-4 with a 2.90 ERA and finished second in the Cy Young Award voting.

10 — Mike Hampton: Hampton had his best career year in 1999 with the Astros, when he went 22-4 with a 2.90 ERA and finished second in the Cy Young Award voting.

10 — Mike Hampton: Hampton had his best career year in 1999... Photo-4930812.66584 - Houston Chronicle

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11 — Brad Ausmus: Ausmus was a three-time Gold Glove-winning catcher and reached the playoffs five times in his 10 years with the Astros. His best offensive year was 1998, when he hit .269 with nine homers and 54 RBIs. less

11 — Brad Ausmus: Ausmus was a three-time Gold Glove-winning catcher and reached the playoffs five times in his 10 years with the Astros. His best offensive year was 1998, when he hit .269 with nine homers ... more

13 — Billy Wagner: Wagner is the Astros' career leader in saves with 225. He was a three-time All-Star with the Astros and finished fourth in the Cy Young voting in 1999, when he had 39 saves and a 1.57 ERA. He was on six Astros playoff teams. less

13 — Billy Wagner: Wagner is the Astros' career leader in saves with 225. He was a three-time All-Star with the Astros and finished fourth in the Cy Young voting in 1999, when he had 39 saves and a 1.57 ERA. ... more

15 — Richard Hidalgo: He played eight years with the Astros, with 134 home runs, 465 RBIs and a .278 batting average. His best year was 2000, when he was fourth in NL in homers (44) and seventh in RBIs (122).

15 — Richard Hidalgo: He played eight years with the Astros, with 134 home runs, 465 RBIs and a .278 batting average. His best year was 2000, when he was fourth in NL in homers (44) and seventh in RBIs (122).

15 — Richard Hidalgo: He played eight years with the Astros,... Photo-4930817.66584 - Houston Chronicle

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16 — Rafael Ramirez: Ramirez had his best years with the Braves, but he played five solid seasons with the Astros. He hit .257 in 1,957 at-bats.

16 — Rafael Ramirez: Ramirez had his best years with the Braves, but he played five solid seasons with the Astros. He hit .257 in 1,957 at-bats.

16 — Rafael Ramirez: Ramirez had his best years with the... Photo-4930818.66584 - Houston Chronicle

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17 — Lance Berkman: Berkman might be next in line to have his number retired. He is second in career homers (291) and third in RBIs (1,090) as an Astro. He was traded to the Yankees at mid-season in 2010, and he had an All-Star season in 2011 for the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals. less

17 — Lance Berkman: Berkman might be next in line to have his number retired. He is second in career homers (291) and third in RBIs (1,090) as an Astro. He was traded to the Yankees at mid-season in 2010, and ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, Chronicle

17 — Lance Berkman: Berkman might be next in line to have his... Photo-4930819.66584 - Houston Chronicle

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18 — Joe Morgan: The Hall of Famer was most well-known for his time with the Reds, when he was a two-time MVP. But Morgan started his career with the Astros and was a two-time All-Star in his nine years in Houston. less

18 — Joe Morgan: The Hall of Famer was most well-known for his time with the Reds, when he was a two-time MVP. But Morgan started his career with the Astros and was a two-time All-Star in his nine years in ... more

22 — Roger Clemens: The Houston native won his final of seven Cy Young awards with the Astros in 2004 and guided them to the World Series in 2005. He only pitched in 84 games here (38-18 record), but what a great ride it was. less

22 — Roger Clemens: The Houston native won his final of seven Cy Young awards with the Astros in 2004 and guided them to the World Series in 2005. He only pitched in 84 games here (38-18 record), but what a ... more

Photo: Billy Smith II, HOUSTON CHRONICLE

22 — Roger Clemens: The Houston native won his final of seven... Photo-4930824.66584 - Houston Chronicle

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23 — Enos Cabell: He played eight years with the Astros, with his best season coming in 1978. He finished with a career-high 71 RBIs. He is a much-beloved figure who has done lots of good work in the community in conjunction with the Astros. less

23 — Enos Cabell: He played eight years with the Astros, with his best season coming in 1978. He finished with a career-high 71 RBIs. He is a much-beloved figure who has done lots of good work in the ... more

Photo: James Nielsen, Houston Chronicle

23 — Enos Cabell: He played eight years with the Astros, with... Photo-4930825.66584 - Houston Chronicle

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24 — Jimmy Wynn: Wynn had his number retired after a stellar career in which he finished in the top 10 in Astros history in numerous offensive categories — including fourth all-time with 223 home runs.

24 — Jimmy Wynn: Wynn had his number retired after a stellar career in which he finished in the top 10 in Astros history in numerous offensive categories — including fourth all-time with 223 home runs.

Photo: Bill Clough, Houston Chronicle

24 — Jimmy Wynn: Wynn had his number retired after a stellar... Photo-4930826.66584 - Houston Chronicle

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25 — Jose Cruz: Cruz also finished in the top 10 in Astros history in numerous offensive categories — including third all-time with 1,937 hits. He was third in the NL MVP race in 1980 and finished with a league-best 189 hits in 1983. less

25 — Jose Cruz: Cruz also finished in the top 10 in Astros history in numerous offensive categories — including third all-time with 1,937 hits. He was third in the NL MVP race in 1980 and finished with a ... more

29 — Denny Walling: Walling played 13 years in Houston and was one of the biggest fan favorites. His most productive offensive season with 1986, when he hit .312 and had career highs in homers (13) and RBIs (58). less

29 — Denny Walling: Walling played 13 years in Houston and was one of the biggest fan favorites. His most productive offensive season with 1986, when he hit .312 and had career highs in homers (13) and RBIs ... more

32 — Jim Umbricht: Umbricht was 8-3 in two seasons on the hill for the Astros. He is most well known for his battle against cancer. He underwent surgery to have a tumor removed in March 1963 but came back the next season and went 4-3 with a 2.61 ERA. He died the day before the 1964 campaign, and his jersey was immediately retired. less

32 — Jim Umbricht: Umbricht was 8-3 in two seasons on the hill for the Astros. He is most well known for his battle against cancer. He underwent surgery to have a tumor removed in March 1963 but came back the ... more

33 — Mike Scott: The Astros pitching legend's jersey is retired. He is fourth all-time in wins and is responsible for one of the most memorable games in franchise history — no-hitting the Giants to clinch the 1986 NL West title. Scott won the Cy Young award that season. less

33 — Mike Scott: The Astros pitching legend's jersey is retired. He is fourth all-time in wins and is responsible for one of the most memorable games in franchise history — no-hitting the Giants to clinch ... more

34 — Nolan Ryan: The Hall of Famer and pitching icon won 106 games in nine years with the Astros and is No. 1 in franchise history in strikeouts. He threw one of his seven no-hitters as an Astro and helped lead the team to division titles in 1980 and 1981. less

34 — Nolan Ryan: The Hall of Famer and pitching icon won 106 games in nine years with the Astros and is No. 1 in franchise history in strikeouts. He threw one of his seven no-hitters as an Astro and helped ... more

35 — Joe Sambito: Sambito finished 33-32 record and 72 saves with a 2.42 ERA in eight seasons with the Astros. He was fifth in the Cy Young voting in 1980, when he went 8-4 with 17 saves and a 2.19 ERA.

35 — Joe Sambito: Sambito finished 33-32 record and 72 saves with a 2.42 ERA in eight seasons with the Astros. He was fifth in the Cy Young voting in 1980, when he went 8-4 with 17 saves and a 2.19 ERA.

36 — Joe Niekro: The knuckleball pitcher is the winningest pitcher in Astros history with 144 wins. He played 11 of his 22 seasons in Houston and had a career-best and NL-best 21 wins in 1979, when he was second in the Cy Young voting. less

36 — Joe Niekro: The knuckleball pitcher is the winningest pitcher in Astros history with 144 wins. He played 11 of his 22 seasons in Houston and had a career-best and NL-best 21 wins in 1979, when he was ... more

37 — Shane Reynolds: Reynolds won 103 games in 11 years with the Astros and was on four playoff teams. He started an NL-best 35 games in each 1998 and 1999 and was an All-Star in 2000. He had a career-high 19 wins in 1998. less

37 — Shane Reynolds: Reynolds won 103 games in 11 years with the Astros and was on four playoff teams. He started an NL-best 35 games in each 1998 and 1999 and was an All-Star in 2000. He had a career-high 19 ... more

40 — Don Wilson: Wilson, who had 104 wins in nine seasons, was on his way to becoming an Astros legend when he died in 1975. He was found dead in his car in the garage with the engine running. The garage was attached to the house, which caused his son, Alex, to die. The deaths were ruled accidental. Wilson's number was immediately retired. less

40 — Don Wilson: Wilson, who had 104 wins in nine seasons, was on his way to becoming an Astros legend when he died in 1975. He was found dead in his car in the garage with the engine running. The garage was ... more

41 — Brandon Backe: Backe finished 30-28 in six seasons with the Astros. He had his best year in 2005, when the Astros went to the World Series. He finished with a career-best 10 wins in the regular season and earned two postseason victories. less

41 — Brandon Backe: Backe finished 30-28 in six seasons with the Astros. He had his best year in 2005, when the Astros went to the World Series. He finished with a career-best 10 wins in the regular season ... more

42 — Jose Lima: Lima, who pitched in Houston for five years, had one of the most successful seasons in franchise history in 1999. He finished 21-10 with a 3.58 ERA and was named an All-Star. The No. 42 was retired by MLB to honor Jackie Robinson in 1997. less

42 — Jose Lima: Lima, who pitched in Houston for five years, had one of the most successful seasons in franchise history in 1999. He finished 21-10 with a 3.58 ERA and was named an All-Star. The No. 42 was ... more

44 — Roy Oswalt: Oswalt finished one win behind Niekro on the Astros' all-time list before he was traded to the Phillies in midseason 2010. He finished 143-82 in 10 years in Houston. He was a three-time all-star and finished with a NL-best 20 wins in 2004. He had a 3-2 record in five postseason stars for the Astros. less

44 — Roy Oswalt: Oswalt finished one win behind Niekro on the Astros' all-time list before he was traded to the Phillies in midseason 2010. He finished 143-82 in 10 years in Houston. He was a three-time ... more

45 — Carlos Lee: Lee is tied for 10th on the Astros all-time home run list with 128. He is entering his sixth season with the Astros and 14th season overall. He has 504 RBIs with Houston and a career batting average of .286 here. He was an All-Star with the Astros in 2007. less

45 — Carlos Lee: Lee is tied for 10th on the Astros all-time home run list with 128. He is entering his sixth season with the Astros and 14th season overall. He has 504 RBIs with Houston and a career batting ... more

47 — Joaquin Andujar: Andujar, known as a real character with the Astros, went 44-53 in seven seasons and was a two-time all-star. He later went on to more success with the Cardinals, including a 20-win seasons in 1984. less

47 — Joaquin Andujar: Andujar, known as a real character with the Astros, went 44-53 in seven seasons and was a two-time all-star. He later went on to more success with the Cardinals, including a 20-win ... more

49 — Larry Dierker: Dierker is an Astros legend, simply put. Dierker, whose number was retired in 2002, finished with 137 wins (third-most in franchise history) and won four division titles in five years as Astros manager from 1997-2001. less

49 — Larry Dierker: Dierker is an Astros legend, simply put. Dierker, whose number was retired in 2002, finished with 137 wins (third-most in franchise history) and won four division titles in five years as ... more

50 — J.R. Richard: Richard is fifth all-time in wins in Astros history with 107, but his career was cut short. He had a stroke in the middle of the 1980 season and never pitched again. He had the best season of his career the year before, finishing with an NL-best 2.71 ERA and earning third-place in the Cy Young race. less

50 — J.R. Richard: Richard is fifth all-time in wins in Astros history with 107, but his career was cut short. He had a stroke in the middle of the 1980 season and never pitched again. He had the best season ... more

56 — Jim Bouton: Bouton closed on his 10-year career with two seasons in Houston. He was just 4-8. But Bouton is best known as the author of "Ball Four," a controversial book in which he chronicles the 1969 season — including time with the Astros. less

56 — Jim Bouton: Bouton closed on his 10-year career with two seasons in Houston. He was just 4-8. But Bouton is best known as the author of "Ball Four," a controversial book in which he chronicles the 1969 ... more

57 — Darryl Kile: Kile was a two-time All-Star with the Astros, including a 19-win 1997 season. He threw a no-hitter in 1993. In 2002, while with the Cardinals, Kile had a fatal heart attack, becoming the first active MLB player to die during the season since 1979. The Astros retired Kile's jersey number. less

57 — Darryl Kile: Kile was a two-time All-Star with the Astros, including a 19-win 1997 season. He threw a no-hitter in 1993. In 2002, while with the Cardinals, Kile had a fatal heart attack, becoming the ... more

59 — Todd Jones: Jones enjoyed a 16-year career, which started with four seasons in Houston. He was 18-12 with 39 saves and a 3.27 ERA in his time here. He had a career-best 42 saves in 2000 with the Tigers.

59 — Todd Jones: Jones enjoyed a 16-year career, which started with four seasons in Houston. He was 18-12 with 39 saves and a 3.27 ERA in his time here. He had a career-best 42 saves in 2000 with the Tigers.

60 — Jeriome Robertson: The young hurler won 15 games in his rookie season in 2003 with the Astros. In 2004, the Astros added Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens, leaving no room in the rotation. Robertson failed in the bullpen and was traded to the Indians. He pitched in eight games in the 2004 season. In 2010, he died in a motorcycle accident. less

60 — Jeriome Robertson: The young hurler won 15 games in his rookie season in 2003 with the Astros. In 2004, the Astros added Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens, leaving no room in the rotation. Robertson failed ... more

Photo: KAREN WARREN, HOUSTON CHRONICLE

60 — Jeriome Robertson: The young hurler won 15 games in his... Photo-4930862.66584 - Houston Chronicle

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61 — Strech Suba: Suba was an assistant coach with the Astros for 36 years.

61 — Strech Suba: Suba was an assistant coach with the Astros for 36 years.

62 — Mark McLemore: We now get to the default section of the jersey numbers, meaning the players are picked by default since they were the only one or one of very few players to wear the number. McLemore went 3-0 with a 3.86 ERA and 35 innings pitched in 29 appearances in 2007. less

62 — Mark McLemore: We now get to the default section of the jersey numbers, meaning the players are picked by default since they were the only one or one of very few players to wear the number. McLemore went ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

62 — Mark McLemore: We now get to the default section of the... Photo-4930864.66584 - Houston Chronicle

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63 — Samuel Gervacio: Gervacio went 1-2 with a 3.65 ERA in 24.2 innings pitched in 35 appearances in 2009-2010.

63 — Samuel Gervacio: Gervacio went 1-2 with a 3.65 ERA in 24.2 innings pitched in 35 appearances in 2009-2010.

99 — Mitch Williams: Williams, who was an All-Star earlier in his career, went 1-4 with a 7.65 ERA in 20 innings pitched with the Astros in 1994. Williams is probably most well-known for giving up the World Series-clinching homer to Toronto's Joe Carter while with the Phillies in 1993. less

99 — Mitch Williams: Williams, who was an All-Star earlier in his career, went 1-4 with a 7.65 ERA in 20 innings pitched with the Astros in 1994. Williams is probably most well-known for giving up the World ... more